What does Rehema mean and where does it come from?
Rehema is a name from the Swahili language, widely spoken in East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania. The name means 'mercy' in Swahili and reflects values of compassion and kindness. It is not a very common name outside of Swahili-speaking regions, but it has found its way into broader usag
Cultural significance
Rehema has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Swahili-speaking countries-speaking communities, where it reflects values of mercy.
Peak popularity
Reached #8098 in 2017 — currently #6608 in the US.
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Related Reading
Swahili-speaking countries-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Rehema?
Rehema works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Rehema Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Rehema Rose
Floral · soft ending
Rehema Mae
Sweet · timeless
Rehema Claire
French influence · crisp
Rehema Jane
Literary · strong
Rehema Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Rehema right now?
Rising fast — up 4439 spots — currently #6608 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6608 | 18 | ▲ up 4439 · +100% births |
| 2022 | #11047 | 9 | ▼ down 90 |
| 2021 | #10957 | 9 | ▲ up 3082 · +50% births |
| 2020 | #14039 | 6 | ▲ up 3411 · +20% births |
| 2015 | #17450 | 5 | ▼ down 5666 · -44% births |
| 2010 | #11784 | 9 | ▲ up 3788 · +50% births |
| 2005 | #15572 | 6 | ▲ up 1067 · +20% births |
| 2000 | #16639 | 5 | ▼ down 3309 · -17% births |
| 1995 | #13330 | 6 | — |
The story of Rehema
Rehema is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1995. With 138 total births recorded, Rehema remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13330 in 1995 to #6608 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Rehema in 2017:
Rehema by decade
Rehema peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 11 | |
| 2000s | 38 | |
| 2010s ★ | 83 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎Rehema has only 138 total recorded births since 1995 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Rehema?
What names sound and feel like Rehema?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rehema also consider these
Common questions about the name Rehema
What does the name Rehema mean?
Rehema means "mercy" — a name rooted in Swahili-speaking countries tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Rehema?
Rehema is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Rehema have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Rehema?
Rehema originates from Swahili-speaking countries tradition. Swahili-speaking countries names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Rehema?
Rehema is a three-syllable name pronounced R EH1 IY1 M AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Rehema?
Rehema pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Swahili-speaking countries heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.